Field Workshop

Geological Expedition and Field Workshop in Leh-Ladakh-Zanskar Sector

Leh - Ladakh - Zanskar Sector - 2016 (J & K)

20th TO 29th AUGUST 2016

The Association of Petroleum Geologists (APG), since its inception, has been promoting scientific deliberations through conferences and exhibitions, field workshops, discussion forums focused on specific areas of hydrocarbon exploration, distinguished lecture series etc. To further the cause of petroleum geosciences, APG India conducts field expeditions, workshops and trainings covering places of geological interest at regular intervals. These field familiarizations are greatly customized to empower the participants with the practical dimensions of their professional skills and attitudes.

Enthused with the overwhelming response and positive feedback received so far, APG organized the 5th Geological Expedition and Field Workshop on Himalayan Geology in Leh-Ladakh-Zanskar Sector (Jammu and Kashmir) from 20th to 29th August 2016. The Expedition and Field Workshop was conducted by Dr. Rajeev Upadhyay, Professor, Centre of Advanced Studies in Geology, Kumaun University, Nainital, an eminent Himalayan Geologist as Principal Course Faculty and Shri Manoj Kumar Baruah, Deputy Superintending Geologist, KDMIPE, as Internal Faculty from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.

The Northwest part of the Indian Himalaya is globally considered to be one of the best field laboratories for appreciating and understanding evolution, dynamics and tectonics of a collisional plate-tectonic set-up owing to spectacular and textbook examples of sedimentological and stratigraphic diversities, well-exposed geological structures, active geodynamic-geomorphologic processes and their well-preserved products set in a barren and scenic landscape amidst pleasant climatic conditions. The logistically difficult Tethys Himalayan sector in particular, has attracted attention of petroleum explorationists in recent years as this storehouse of a near-continuous and well preserved Palaeozoic-Mesozoic stratigraphic sequence has now only started to open up owing to the host of new infrastructure development activities in the region.

Accordingly, APG India has endeavored to develop a first-hand knowledge base of the region through focused field workshops. With the present foray, five expeditions and field workshops in the Leh-Ladakh-Zanskar region of the Northwest Himalaya have now ventured into unchartered territories of this challenging sector with each successive year progressively incorporating the latest advancements in geological understanding through academic contributions.

Almost the entire stratigraphic history from Precambrian basement rocks through the Paleocene-Eocene continent-continent collision leading to the closure of the Neo-Tethys Sea and the post-collisional molassic sediments and foreland sedimentation of the Cainozoic is exposed along the trans-Himalayan traverse from Dehradun in Uttarakhand to the Nubra Valley of the Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The tectonic and structural evolution of the region is also manifested through the presence of a number of allochthonous thrust sheets and ophiolitic melange zones. The expedition in the Leh-Ladakh-Zanskar sector thus provides unparalleled opportunity to understand Basin Evolution processes and products. En route, one passes through some of the highest mountain passes of the world, including the Khardung La, Taglang La and Chang La, the three highest motorable roads in the world. The field traverses takes one through the exhilarating and breathtaking hills and valleys carved by major Himalayan rivers like the Sutlej, Beas, Indus, Shyok and the Nubra and their tributaries. The participants were provided exposure to the geodynamic and geomorphological evolution of these geological elements through geologic time. The field workshop in and around Leh focussed on field geology, stratigraphy, sedimentation and tectonics of the Indus Suture Zone.

Inputs during the field expedition and workshop are expected to facilitate the participants in bringing out better conceptualized geological models for hydrocarbon exploration through integration of the knowledge acquired.

Major achievements are as under

Application aspects of geological understanding in the fourth dimension through incorporation of latest theoretical concepts and integration of various available geological interpretation tools in line with the business objectives of exploration was highlighted.

Understanding of a plethora of real-world geological processes of the genesis and evolution of petroleum system elements was refreshed in light of modern practices

Field exposure and understanding of five tectono-stratigraphic settings – pre-, syn- and post-rifting followed by pre-, syn- and post-collision settings was provided.

A number of tangible benefits accrue from such field expeditions a few of which are enumerated below

Quality time devoted in field set-up in real world Indian situations for academia-industry interchange of ideas and concepts during these field workshops add much more value than monotonous classroom learning with foreign examples of unfamiliar geological terrains.

Working in a particular laboratory environment and/or looking into datasets of one or two particular geologic setting(s) tend to result in biases that inevitably creep in. The exposure, environment and experiences provided by such workshops helps to broaden the knowledge base and remove biases, thus resulting in fertile mindsets.

Regular field intensive exposures such as the present one are perhaps the only means of keeping todays geoscientist rooted to basic geological principles and concepts, in the face of explosive software growth and marketing through colourful maps, models and images that can attract him away from real world solutions and possibilities

A very obvious outcome of the multi-disciplinary participation in these workshops has been the improved communication and mutual respect between G&G personnel.

The passionate field debates amongst participating professionals with multiple expertises and experiences are seen to vastly improve out-of-box thinking and innovative mindsets that result in multiple interpretation models with the same set of field observations and datasets.

List of participants in the 5th Geological Expedition and Field Workshop in Leh-Ladakh- Zanskar sector organized by APG India

Acknowledgement

We are thankful to the ONGC Management for benevolently supporting the expedition and field workshop organized by the Association of Petroleum Geologists through active participation of geoscientists of ONGC. Special thanks are expressed to Shri A.K. Dwivedi, Director (Exploration) and Shri D.D. Misra, Director (HR), ONGC for continued support and patronage without which this event would not have taken off.

We thank Dr. D N Singh, President APG, for his hands-on leadership, pro-active guidance and involvement at all stages, taking personal care to see that everything from conceptualization to execution is perfectly done.

Sincere thanks are expressed to all central executive members of APG India, especially Secretary Shri Santanu Mukherjee and Treasurer Shri Dilip Kapse and to APG office assistant Anil for help at all stages of the expedition and field workshop. Finally, Mr. Zuzer Rangwala and his team at JDs, deserves special mention for perfectly managing the logistics and field camps as per our requirements inspite of the adverse terrain and conditions that Ladakh is known for.

Geological Expedition and Field Workshop

Field Expedition & Workshop in Leh Valley

Association of Petroleum Geologists

Leh in Indus Valley (Ladakh, J&K) is world renowned as a geological museum of India-Asia collision and rise of the Himalaya. Except some minor interruptions almost the entire Precambrian to Eocene stratigraphic succession is preserved along the Manali – Leh road with ophiolitic mélange in the collision zone which will be unravelled through key stratigraphic sections and traverses. We will cross the highest motorable pass of Khardung La (5359m) and from there we will have an overview of Shyok and Nubra Valleys and the Karakorum Mountain.

The varied landforms caused due to weathering and erosion at high altitude cold desert would also be studied. Traverses through Indus Valley would give the Geoscientists an insight into the numerous processes involved in carving out the spectacular valley.

The field workshop on way to Leh would focus on the importance of Field Geology, Stratigraphy, Sedimentation and Tectonics of the Indus Suture Zone.

Programme

Duration : 1 – 9 August (9 days)

Day - 1

Registration and departure from Dehradun and stay and acclimatization at Manali/Solang and Pre-field discussion

Day - 2

Stay and field work in Jispa

Day - 3

Stay and field session at Leh

Day - 4

Field session at Pangong Tso (lake) and back to Leh

Day - 5

Field session between Leh - Khardung La and stay at Nubra

Day - 6

Field session around Nubra and back to Leh

Day - 7

Field session around Drass

Day - 8

Return to Srinagar/Sonmarg & Valedictory Session

Day - 9

Srinagar-Delhi (Air), Delhi-Dehradun (Road) As far as possible the participants would be accommodated in hotels.

Faculty

Dr. R.J. Azmi, a well known micropaleontologist and stratigrapher who has extensively worked in the Tethyan and Lesser Himalayan zones.

Dr. Rajeev Upadhyay, an eminent Himalayan geologist with specialization in regional mapping of Ladakh and its structure and tectonics.

Course Duration 9 Days

Who should participate

Exploration Geoscientists

Structural Geologists

Sedimentologists,Biostratigraphers& Stratigraphers.

Participants should be medically fit and in sound health for the geological field work in high altitude area (at 4000m+)

Weather & Climate

Weather in the month of August would be pleasant during the day time & cold at night.

Maximum temperatures will be 20-25°C & minimum 10-15°C. (Night).

Participant should carry sufficient woolens and a wind cheater, as it is quite windy during day time.

Field trip is reserved on first-come-first–serve basis as the course is limited to 30 participants. APG does not maintain insurance covering illness or injury for individuals during field trips. Please check your personal insurance before travelling

APG - FB Field Workshop at Himachal Pradesh From 9th to 15th December 2009

A Field workshop was organised at Himachal Pradesh, under the aegis of APG and Frontier Basins, Dehradun from 9th to 15th December 2009. The purpose of this workshop was to give an idea to the delegates about the leading edge and trailing edge deformation concepts in the Nahan Salient and the Kangra recess. The trip was planned for all geoscientists from industry and academia. The faculty comprised Shri Narendra K. Verma, GM-Basin Manager, Frontier Basins and Dr. V.C. Thakur, Retd. Director, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun. Both the faculty members have done extensive field work in these areas, which was evident from the knowledge that was dispersed to the delegates.

The first day’s itinerary covered the Paonta thrust, MBT at Dadahu, Bilaspur thrust beyond Nahan and HFT at Salehpur. The days’ itinerary also included a visit to the Saketi Fossil Park. During the day, the delegates were exposed to the signatures of thrusts in a field setup, depositional conditions for the Siwalik sediments and the evolution of Himalayas in general. Night halt was at Hotel Grand View at Jamta.

3rd Field Expedition & Workshop in Spiti Valley

Importance of Field Geology stressed at APG Workshop at Manali

A galaxy of ONGCians, past and present are attending the 3rd Workshop and Field Expedition (Spiti Valley),organised by the Association of Petroleum Geologists (APG) which commenced in the salubrious environs of Manali on July 22,2006. The Field Expedition, regularly held by APG, was dovetailed as a part of ONGC's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The objective of holding this workshop was to introduce to the participants the importance of field geology in hydrocarbon exploration. Eminent faculty comprising Dr O.N.Bhargava, Dr N.S.Virdhi, Dr D.S.N.Raju, and Mr Dilip Mukhopadhyay were introduced to the House. A presentation on Role of Field Geology was made on the occasion. This presentation highlighted the stages of field geological evolution in ONGC. Among the distinguished personalities who graced the dais were Mr S.N.Talukdar, the doyen of the petroleum industry, besides veteran geoscientists, Mr C.K.R Sastry, Mr D.N Awasthi , Mr Jokhan Ram, Executive Director-Chief KDMIPE, and Mr Ashok Srivastava, Basin Manager, Frontier Basins.

The message of Mr D.K.Pande, Director (Exploration) and the Patron of APG, who could not be present as he was abroad, was read out by Mr Jokhan Ram. The thought provoking message among other pertinent observations stressed on immediate attention to Frontier Basins through insight into the intriguing Himalayas.

In his address, Mr S.N. Talukdar,former Member (Exploration), asserted that field work is the best and only way to come to the understanding of the hydrocarbon habitat. That sieismic, electrologs and even the cores alone do not allow to understand as to what actually occurs in the field. He emphasized the need to generate more data on paleoslopes,. paleo- latitudes and the influence on tectonic plates. He called for interaction of the old and the young which can inject enthusiasm among the younger generation.

Mr D.N. Awasthi, former Member (Personnel), in his address deliberated on deeper crustal processes. He stressed that science is evolutionary and earlier works should be taken as a foundation to arrive at newer hypotheses. He deliberated on continental continental collisions. He hoped that the new hypothesis might turn lean areas of hydrocarbon into areas of high hydrocarbon potential. He enumerated Mr Malaviya's three "mool mantras" - controlled imagination, cautious optimism and calculated risk.

Mr C.K.R. Sastry, former Head Western Region, in his interesting address, said the grand hunt for large structural accumulations are over. He therefore advocated that in the present scenario the practical and pragmatic approach should be to have foreign tie-ups. In fact this was the same philosophy which was adopted by Mr Subir Raha, former C&MD.

Mr Jokhan Ram, Executive Director-Chief KDMIPE and Vice President APG, in his welcome address, spoke on the evolution of the thought process with time and the tremendous possibilities existing in sequence stratigraphic analysis . He pointed out that wisdom cannot be always managed through technology and needs to be shared and passed on .He stressed the need for outcrop teaching to the young scientists He reiterated APG's resolve to arrest the declining trend towards field geology.

Mr Ashok Srivastava,Basin Manager, Frontier Basins expressed concern about the scenario in respect of new finds in the Frontier Basins. He expressed hope that this workshop and field expedition will positively contribute towards new ideas and models of exploration. He said APG is a potential medium which could provide the much needed boost to exploration.

Dr James Peters, General Manager (Geology) and Secretary AGP proposed the vote of thanks and adroitly anchored the programme.

An eye catching exhibition depicting the role of field parties in ONGC and the different basins, was also arranged alongside the Workshop which Mr Talukdar inaugurated.

The Workshop will provide an ideal platform for meaningful interaction between the veteran ONGCians and serving ONGC geoscientists.

APG provides an opportunity for petroleum geologists to share their experiences, ideas, thoughts to benefit the oil industry especially in the field of exploration and production.

The team headed by Dr James Peters, General Manager (Geology) was instrumental in successfully organizing this programme. The other team members included Mr D.S.Mitra, Mr S.Uppal, ,Mr Rajeev Bhoj, Mr Bijay Prasad, Mr Virender Mishra, Mr Ravi Mishra, Mr D.P.Goyal and Mr Ajay Pal.

Approximately 45 participants proceeded for field work on July 24, 2006 for four days to the high altitude Spiti valley. This team includes some retired geologists of ONGC.

Field Expedition - Spiti Valley

Led by Dr James Peters, General Manager ONGC & Secretary APG the team comprised participants from ONGC, Reliance Industries Ltd and ENI, Milan, Italy, two superannuated Geologists from the ONGC two research scholars from IIT Mumbai and three M.Sc. students from IIT Roorkee. The faculty for field work included Dr ON Bhargava Director GSI (Retd) and Prof Dilip Mukhopadhaya from IIT, Roorkee. The participants were given an overview of the Geology of Spiti Valley. Four sections were visited. The section between Muth Village and Domal Village exposes the entire Stratigraphy of the Spiti Basin.

After covering all the different formations in the Spiti valley the team returned to Manali for the Valedictory Function which was chaired by Mr MK Rangaraju , Ex Group General Manager, ONGC.

4th Field Expedition & Workshop in Spiti Valley

Association of Petroleum Geologists Announces

2nd Sept. to 11th Sept. 2007 Manali-Kaza, Himachal Pradesh, India

The Spiti Basin is known as Museum of World Stratigraphy for its well-preserved and almost uninterrupted sequence of sediments ranging in age from Pre-Cambrian to Cretaceous. The understanding of Tectonics, Structure, Sedimentation & Stratigraphy of the sediments exposed in Spiti Valley will be unravelled through key traverses.

The varied landforms caused due to weathering and erosion at high altitude cold desert would also be studied. Traverses through Spiti Valley would give the Geoscientists an insight into the numerous geological processes involved in carving out this spectacular valley.

The course envisages one day lecture at Manali by eminent Himalayan Geoscientists highlighting the importance of Field Geology , Stratigraphy and Sedimentation of Spiti- Zanskar Basin and nine days field workshop at Losar and Kaza. The participant would be accommodated in a hotel at Manali & subsequently shifted to field tents at Losar and Kaza.

Programme

Course Duration 10 DAYS

Day - 1

Registration and Acclimatization to High Altitude at Manali.

Lecture on Stratigraphy and Sedimentation of Spiti- Zanskar Basin by Dr. O.N. Bhargava

Field techniques and Pre-field discussions by Dr. James Peters

Day - 2

Camp at Losar via Tandi

Day - 3 & 4

Mapping in Upper Spiti Valley, Faculty: Dr. D.K. Mukhopadhyaya

Day - 5

Camp Shift to Rangrik

FIELD SESSION– I : Dr. O.N. Bhargava

Study of Central Crystallines, Paleozoic sediments along Chandra Bhaga River and Kunzum-La to Losar

Day - 8

FIELD SESSION– I : Dr. O.N. Bhargava

Day - 9

FIELD SESSION– I : Dr. O.N. Bhargava

Study of the Attargu–Pin–Parahio -Muth Section Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic and Paleozoics of Muth.

Day - 10

Return to Manali & Valedictory Session

Who should participate

Exploration Geoscientists

Structural Geologists

Sedimentologists,Biostratigraphers& Stratigraphers.

Participants should be medically fit and in sound health for the geological field work in high altitude area (at 4000m+)

Registration Fee

Indian Delegate : Rs 65,000.00

NRI & Foreign Delegate : US $ 2,500.00

Weather & Climate

Weather in the month of August -September is pleasant during the day time & cold at night. Maximum temperatures will be 20-25°C & minimum 10-15°C. (Night). Participant should carry sufficient woolens and a wind cheater, as it is quite windy during day time.

Field trip is reserved on first-come-first–serve basis as the course is limited to 30 participants. APG does not maintain insurance covering illness or injury for individuals during field trips. Please check your personal insurance before traveling.

5th Field Expedition & Workshop in Spiti Valley

Association of Petroleum Geologists Announces

6th to 26th August, 2008 Manali-Kaza, Himachal Pradesh, India

The Spiti Basin is known as Museum of World Stratigraphy for its well-preserved and almost uninterrupted sequence of sediments ranging in age from Pre-Cambrian to Cretaceous. The understanding of Tectonics, Structure, Sedimentation & Stratigraphy of the sediments exposed in Spiti Valley will be unravelled through key traverses.

The varied landforms caused due to weathering and erosion at high altitude cold desert would also be studied. Traverses through Spiti Valley would give the Geoscientists an insight into the numerous geological processes involved in carving out this spectacular valley.

The course envisages one day lectures at Manali by eminent Himalayan Geoscientists highlighting the importance of Field Geology, Stratigraphy and Sedimentation of Spiti- Zanskar Basin and eight days field workshop at Losar and Kaza. The participant would be accommodated in a hotel at Manali & subsequently shifted to field tents at Losar and Kaza. Detailed program will be announced in due course of time.

Course Duration 10 Days

Who should participate

Exploration Geoscientists

Structural Geologists

Sedimentologists,Biostratigraphers& Stratigraphers.

Participants should be medically fit and in sound health for the geological field work in high altitude area (at 4000m+)

Registration Fee

Indian Delegate : Rs 70,000.00

NRI & Foreign Delegate : US $ 2,500.00

Inclusive of boarding & lodging at Manali & Kaza, transportation to & from Manali to Kaza and other field areas, kit and course material. Boarding & lodging at Manali & Kaza will be on twin sharing basis.

Weather & Climate

Weather in the month of August is pleasant during the day time & cold at night. Maximum temperatures will be 20-25°C & minimum 10-15°C. (Night). Participant should carry sufficient woolens and a wind cheater, as it is quite windy during day time.

Field trip is reserved on first-come-first–serve basis as the course is limited to 30 participants. APG does not maintain insurance covering illness or injury for individuals during field trips. Please check your personal insurance before traveling.

Dr. Bhargava delivering the lecture on the stratigraphy of Spiti Basin

A team comprising of 20 participants from ONGC Ltd I were on an Expedition in Spiti Valley led by Shri Anand Sahu, Vice President APG. The faculty for field work included Dr O.N. Bhargava, former Director, Geological Survey of India and Dr. S.K. Parcha from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun. Enroute to the campsite in Takche, the structures exposed in the Vaikritas and Haimantas were shown to the participants, an angular unconformity between Cambrian and Ordovician was also shown to the participants.

The participants were given an overview of the Geology of Spiti Valley and an opportunity to carry out field mapping in the Spiti Valley around Takche. The field work was carried out in the Paleozoic sections for two days. Subsequently the camp was shifted to Rangrick campsite and four sections were shown. These included Atargoo- Lalung- Schichiling-Tabo, Ratang Nala, Atargoo- Muth section in Pin valley and Kibber-Giumal sections covering the entire stratigraphy of Spiti Basin from Devonian to Cretaceous.

Our Address

GEO India 2018

Hi,
My name is Randy and I was looking at a few different sites online and came across your site apgindia.org. I must say - your website is very impressive. I found your website on the first page – Randy, Tqxc, Very Excellent,New Initiatives like digital posters,more GTs and youngsters participation.Very emienent perasonnel for key notes. – K.Velu, Chief Geophysicist (s), ONGC For me, the conference generated a lot of ideas about how to continue to expand my skills and my professional qualifications and networking with resea – Koushik Biswas, Geophysicist , ONGC